IDENTITY OF DEPUTY HAS NOT BEEN RELEASED

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – The Brevard County Sheriff’s Office is currently investigating an officer involved shooting that occurred at 1051 Covina Street, in the unincorporated area of Cocoa.

The incident occurred on Thursday, August 20, 2015 at approximately 9:30 p.m., while deputies were conducting a criminal investigation.

As deputies attempted to arrest a female occupant of the residence, a male exited the residence and fired shots at the deputies, several of which struck a deputy.

The deputies returned fire, striking the male occupant.

The deputy and male occupant were transported for medical treatment.

The deputy is in critical condition and is currently undergoing surgery at a central Florida trauma center. The male is presently in stable condition.

The investigation was a result of citizen complaints concerning prostitution and probable cause was established for the arrest of the female occupant.

Sheriff Wayne Ivey stated: “Our thoughts and prayers are with the Deputy and his family during this very difficult time. We greatly appreciate the actions and efforts of the Brevard County Fire Rescue personnel who exhibited extreme professionalism and bravery while assisting those injured and providing lifesaving medical care.” (SpacCoastDaily.com image)

Sheriff’s Office Homicide agents and Crime Scene Investigators have been on scene throughout the night and are still processing evidence.

The Brevard County Sheriff’s Office and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) will be conducting independent and parallel investigations relating to the use of deadly force.

Upon conclusion of the investigations, the cases will be presented to the State Attorney for review.

The identities of the deputies and individuals involved in this incident will be released at 1:00 PM, along with any other investigative updates.

The deputies involved have been placed on paid Administrative Leave, as is a routine practice in investigations of this nature.

Sheriff Wayne Ivey stated: “Our thoughts and prayers are with the Deputy and his family during this very difficult time. We greatly appreciate the actions and efforts of the Brevard County Fire Rescue personnel who exhibited extreme professionalism and bravery while assisting those injured and providing lifesaving medical care.”

Anyone with information about this investigation is asked to please call Brevard County Sheriff’s Office Homicide Agent Martin at 321-633-8409, or CRIMELINE at 1- 800-423-TIPS (8477).

You can also visit http://crimeline.org/, or text ‘crimeline’ plus your tip toCRIME (274637). All information to CRIMELINE is confidential and you may be eligible for a reward.